The Anxious Brain: Amygdala Versus Cortex Based Anxiety

[@Anurag_Saxena]

On Sat 16th Oct 2021, I was scolded so bitterly in office by two office seniors that i wept in front of them. Even, i drove my bike home weeping. Well, in the Evening, my bosses called me home and consoled. That night, I had a sound sleep. Next day was Sunday. My cortex made me recall all of my inspiring stories, quotes, poems and songs to keep me highly energetic. I wasn't willing to go to office on Monday but my female boss inspired me to face my fear. As soon as I reached that place, the voices of the same seniors activated my amygdala. My cortex was empty. I remember it well. I wasn't thinking much. I had trouble breathing, I had tears in my eyes, so I reached washroom. I had facial muscle tension. I didn't interact with my colleagues. I was intensively focused on my tasks. Whilst I listened to songs, I got high otherwise i drowned and feared panicking. I made a list of my symptoms, which I lost. That moment I realised it wasn't over yet. I changed my cabin, which helped me ease. I read about PTSD and concluded I was going through a panic attack. It took me exactly 2 weeks to almost recover. I didn't see office meanwhile.

[@Anurag_Saxena]

You're awesome ma'am. In four and half minutes, you explained it all so beautifully.

[@LewisPsychology]

I'm sorry to hear what you have been through, that sounds like an awful experience. I wish you all the best going forward, Teresa.

[@suejaneuk1681]

I have both. Mine was caused from an early age of 12 by school bullying and living on a toxic London estate. I am now not in London and I am 50. I have had depression for over 20 years and anxiety since my dad's death in 2019 and my mum nearly dying, 4mnths later. I am not perimenopausal and my anxiety and panic attacks have reached an all time high.

[@LewisPsychology]

I'm sorry to hear that. Wishing you well, Teresa.

[@heatherbrenner8275]

thank you for this video. I have always felt like i had 2 different things battling in my head. this makes complete sense to me. I was so confused about how i could be experiencing the anxiety that i do while also having logical thoughts that oppose it. If they come from 2 different parts of my brain, then that makes sense to me. This just gave me so much to think about

[@LewisPsychology]

Thats great to hear, glad it helped. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@gultenselbeschambers1629]

You have expressed my exact experiences, thank you 🙏

[@magnusthoren3852]

Great video! I call it Cognitive anxiety vs. Affective anxiety

[@susantompkins4254]

Thank you for this great advice, I love your videos and very interesting, much appreciated

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you for your lovely feedback. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@susantompkins4254]

@LewisPsychology thank you

[@emekdenizdemirci]

Thanks for the video Teresa.

[@GlitchmanVGM]

This is a very interesting video. Thank you for explaining this so clearly, it was easy to understand. 👍

[@LewisPsychology]

Thanks GlitchmanVGM. I'm pleased to hear it was easy to understand. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@natalieerickson5519]

Thank you, we love you, God bless you. 🙌

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you for your kind words Natalie. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@tiverson888]

Excellent video- thank you!!

[@LewisPsychology]

Glad you liked it! Best wishes, Teresa.

[@TheNaiveMonk]

Thanks for sharing

[@LewisPsychology]

My pleasure. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@Star-dj1kw]

❤ excellent explanation

[@fisayoobilaja2960]

Thanks! I think my mindfulness is mostly Amydala based as I naturally have a good way of thinking of things, but can’t shut my body down from feeling anxiety symptoms even before I know what it is. What are some vitamins or minerals that could help Overactive Amygdala ?

[@fisayoobilaja2960]

*anxiety

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank for your comment Fisayo. I personally use this: amzn.to/42WiPZz Kind regards, Teresa.

[@petraglassova8297]

Thanks, very helpful

[@LewisPsychology]

That’s great to hear. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@helenlogan8076]

Thank you for this. A question please: could cortex led anxiety - overthinking for example - then lead to amygdala based anxiety, so that then physiological effects of anxiety can be prompted by thinking about something that we have thought to be a threat?

[@LewisPsychology]

Yes

[@helenlogan8076]

@@LewisPsychology Thanks so much

[@run_eclipse]

What to do if I experienced both? I was trying to make a lesson plan and resume and I was so scared I don't know why. I experienced trembling, increased heart rate & rapid breathing while at the same time is overthinking the future a scenarios, foreseeing mistakes?? I experienced that and I feel overwhelmed then I cry because of frustration but I shutdown in a matter of minutes and I feel numb 😢

[@run_eclipse]

I feel so stupid, I miss my old self. I feel like I can't make plans and my attention span is messed up 😭

[@emmanuelchavezbarraza7828]

Where You know ora SEE with the prefrontal cortez si responsable of imagination?

[@LewisPsychology]

The prefrontal cortex contributes to a wide variety of executive functions, including: Focusing one's attention. Predicting the consequences of one's actions; anticipating events in the environment. Impulse control; managing emotional reactions.Best wishes, Teresa.

[@emmanuelchavezbarraza7828]

@@LewisPsychology Yes, but I understand that not only the prefrontal cortex is within this process of the imagination, but rather several brain areas?